If you do any kind of research online you will find you need, or it is suggested you need, a bug-out-bag, an Everyday Carry kit (EDC), a wilderness survival kit, possibly a action bag at the office, and of course a survival kit for your vehicle.
This article is not so much about what you need, because really you are the only one that knows that, but more about how to get started. Previous articles have talked extensively about the fact that most supplies are not disaster specific, in other words, you will need the same supplies regardless of the crisis.
Power disruptions, which will mean no electricity and water disruptions if you receive water from a municipality and possible disruptions in natural gas flow and your local propane company, may not be able to get to your home to top off, or fill your tank (s).
There may be damage to the roads and highways, so travel may be limited or you may not be able to get out of your own driveway.
Your new Keurig 2.0 or the latest auto drip coffee maker, which is so high-tech it even fries your bacon for you will not work, so the ole standby camp percolator will have to suffice that is if you even have any ground coffee available.
It is not that you cannot live without electricity, but the fact is that the majority of people in this country have never had to live without electricity for more than a few days at a time. A few hours without it, is an irritation, a few days is a serious inconvenience, but a few weeks without it, is a catastrophe, and can be life threatening in some cases.
It takes extensive planning, far more planning than putting together a bug-out-bag, an EDC kit, or even a wilderness survival kit. It takes planning, commitment and financial resources, and this is why most of the people in this country are unprepared for any crisis that last more than 72-hours, and some cannot even make the claim they are prepared for 72-hours. The Original Homemade Laundry DetergentHomemade Dishwasher Detergent and Rinse AgentHomemade Sunscreen – It’s Natural and It Works! The storm that hit Western North Carolina recentlyA made me revisit my emergency preparedness pack. I mentioned switching some things out every few months, but really, everything should be replaced at least twice a year.
About Debra MaslowskiDebra is a master gardener, a certified herbalist, a natural living instructor and more. DISCLAIMER: Information on DIY Naturala„? is not reviewed or endorsed by the FDA and is NOT intended to be substituted for the advice of your health care professional. I’ve considered this and have a packet of emergency preparedness I glance at and mull over.

In my emergency kit, I also have puzzles, and a deck of cards (in case we’re using the kit away from home). I actually just added a deck of cards to my kit, Teresa, and a few books in case the electric is out for a while. I’m not a huge fan of bleach, but it might be a good idea to have on hand to sanitize water in case your water lines are cut off for a while.
Anyone who knows me knows that bleach is very low on my list of must haves, Marly, but you’re right on this one. I always have a some hair ties in my emergency kits because I have very long, thick hair that would become a rat’s nest very quickly if not constrained. The Sawyer filters will filter out 99.9 % of pathogens, but if the water is really foul, you can also use the purifying pills to be absolutely safe. A couple more things that I consider important are laxatives, anti diarrheal pills, Rolaids, and pain killers.
Matt and Betsy are passionate about living naturally and building a like-minded community focused on the sustainable lifestyle. DIY Natural is about rediscovering the traditional value of doing things yourself, doing them naturally, and enjoying the benefits. Getting started is the hardest part, and how to get started can be overwhelming for those new to prepping. There are exceptions of course, but before running out and buying specialized equipment, materials, or gear, get started on the basics for survival first. People are so accustomed to using certain things that they forget some, if not most things in the kitchen require electricity. If you wanted to make bread, for example, how you would do it without electricity is a question for which you need the answer. Three to five gallons per person, per day is closer to what your needs will be, but essentially you are the only one that can determine this. I put it together myself, try to do it as naturally as possible, and am happy to share it with you now!
I always store a few handfuls of charcoal in foil (that can be used to place the charcoal in to burn) in case the electricity goes out.

She taught Matt and Betsy how to make soap so they decided to bring her on as a staff writer! I found one at a camping store that was the size of a coffee can and can be stored in a tote very easily. Instead of bringing the whole roll, you can wrap some around your lighter since it just about the perfect width.
Instead of purchasing disposable ones and having to switch them out every few months, I’d recommend getting NiMH rechargeable batteries since they have a much longer shelf life and will work in lower temperatures than the disposables would. You will have the same basic tasks to complete during the day whether you have electricity or not. I wrap anyA jars in them so they don’t clank against each other and then use them for trash later. You’ve got bottled water already in you supplies for an emergency, so in a pinch to survive, mix protein powder and water-better than nothing. They do cost a bit of money but the initial investment will more than pay for itself over time, not to mention less garbage going to the landfill.
Meals will have to be prepared, children tended to, cans of food opened and food cooked or heated. Eneloop NiMH batteries are one of the best out there (for AA and AAA) and according to the manufacturer, can be recharged up to 2100 times before you’d have to replace them. Also if you dehydrate fruits, protein sources and vegetables-you have food that requires no cooking or refrigerating.
Both would supply your daily nutritional needs, just mix 2 tablespoons in a glass of water.
You can also purchase it in different colors, like a bright orange, making it more visible.